Our last post of 2007

As this year comes to a close we can't help but look back and ponder over the past 12 months. We have had immense joys: the birth of a new daughter, watching our other 2 children grow up, friends bringing home their adopted baby girl Josephine from China, more friends and family telling us the news of babies to come in 2008, dad being given the all clear after several biopsies and the list could on. It also brings feelings of sadness at the remembrance of the deaths of two dear friends, Gina Holland, our priest's wife and one of my mom's best friends(who was like a mom to me) and our "matchmaker", Janet Brown. They will be remembered in our hearts forever.

Reflection shows you how much can change in a year, and encourages you to embrace the little moments of each day. Yes, even when you are exhausted beyond belief.

Here is how much our bundles of joy have changed in just one year.

Jacob Alan (big brother extraordinaire):

Jacob has gone from being a big brother of one to a bro to two. He has embraced his new role and often helps Mom in the evenings when Brad is working. He will keep Iz occupied while Mommy puts E down to sleep. He has found out that Iz loves music and will play songs on a mini keyboard to keep her happy.

He has gone from 1st to 2nd grade....and from brunette to blonde. He started the year in size 7 pants and now wears a boys 10. What a growth spurt!!!! His hobbies are playing video games, drawing and playing the guitar (or at least trying to). He still plays soccer and has found a new passion...golf!!!

Jacob in Dec '06

Emma Elizabeth:

Emma has gone from being the youngest child, to acting like the oldest. She has grown from 14 pounds to 21 and somewhere along the way learned to walk...er I mean run. Climbing and dancing are her favorite hobbies. Her favorite toys are her babies, Daddy's remotes and Mommy's cell phone. She loves playing with others as long as mom or dad are close by. She seems to have shy streak about her, often clinging to our pant legs in unfamiliar situations. She gives kisses freely and has a larger-than-life personality. Although she still doesn't talk much, she understands simple commands in 2 languages. Brad is teaching her German, and she is soaking it up like a sponge. What a bright child!

Emma in December '06

Emma in Dec '07

Isabel Claire:

Our Izzie was born on July 2nd. She had a rough start and spent her first 2 nights in the NICU. Brad and I often watch her scooting across the floor, cooing and nearly crawling (yes at just months) and we are amazed, and thankful at how far she has come. This love bug can light up a room with her toothless smile. She is physically the strongest baby I've ever known. She can hold herself up in a yoga plank position or downward dog for several minutes. She has said "Mama and Dada" though who knows if she understands them. Her hobbies are jumping, crawling backwards and nursing. The child refuses a bottle or paci, which just warns us that she will be a lover of the finer things life has to offer.

Isabel on the 4th of July '07

Isabel in Dec '07

We look forward to 2008 and watching our babies grow more and develop their individual personalities and look back on the year thanking God for the blessings in our lives.

We hope your year is full of God's many blessings!!!

Happy New Year!!